Governor proposes that state colleges set tuition

[dgriffin]

Governor proposes that state colleges set tuition




ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Governor David Paterson says the state's public universities should be allowed to set their own
tuition rates.

Right now, all tuition hikes at the State University of New York and the City University of New York must be approved by the legislature.

Paterson plans to present the proposed change Tuesday as part of his state budget proposal.

The governor says Albany now "micromanages" everything at the schools, down to the chalk they purchase.

He says that threatens the schools' ability to adapt to changing educational and fiscal circumstances.

The proposal was welcomed by the chancellors of both state universities.

The yearly tuition for state residents at SUNY is $5,070. Residents pay $4,600 at CUNY.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

www.wktv.com/news/local/81888032.html


I think this is unfortunate. Patterson has just handed the colleges the knife they will thrust into the back of parents. The never ending escalation of college costs will continue and now get worse. It's already beyond the rate of inflation, as the colleges treat themselves to new buildings and administrative perqs. This all done as the quality of instruction gets lower and full time faculty are replaced by "adjunct" (part time, no benefits) faculty. It's a shame that taxpayer supported post secondary education that was supposed to be affordable for the many has turned into yet another trough for the pigs who feed on taxpayer dollars.

[Swimmy]

The even sadder part was when the legislature passed patterson's secondary education tax on suny schools last year. The tuition increase approved last year went toward other budget issues, NOT the students.

[dgriffin]

While I don't agree that education always solves every problem, and often ask the question, "Which jobs are those that we're training them for?" I know that a reasonably priced State University was the answer for this Irishman who came from a family that could afford nothing else. SUNY provided me a leg up and entry to the world of good jobs and even an education along the way. In my personal experience, it may have been the one government "help program" that really produced results and even changed my life.

[fiona]

Patterson is insane. He needs to find a nice snug hole in the ground ,crawl into it and sleep for 100 years.

[Clipper]

When state and community colleges can no longer be within range for the average student to be able to afford, we will regress rapidly. It is already evident that there are not as many manufacturing or craft jobs as there were in the past, and without the education our children will not be equipped to meet the requirements for the tech jobs that are the future of the state and country.

[Deleted]

College costs will continue to go nowhere but up. This is a political move by Patterson, ie. when state colleges raise tuition Patterson & the legistlature won't have to take the political heat for it, & alienate young student voters. TAP grants will likely also be cut, as the state is near bankruptcy. Next years shortfall is estimated to be $12 billion. We ain't seen nothing yet.

[fiona]

Did you hear that Patterson wants to Close Oriskany Monument as well as Verona Beach State Park? The Mohawk Valley is nothing but a gutted fish to Albany. Why not just bomb it and forget it?

[dgriffin]

I've heard a few veteran groups are organizing to try to take over the work of Oriskany Monument in that event, but their ages for the most part are a concern regarding the landscaping labor.

[Clipper]

There are many historic sites in the area, and many state parks. When the cuts start, they will continue. The only state parks left in a few years will be in a close radius to NYC and Albany.

What would happen if they closed Verona Beach State Park? Would it be blocked by chain across the entrance, and inaccessible to anyone? What a crime that would be. Verona Beach State Park has one of the best beaches on the whole lake, and is highly utilized in the summer.

One would have to wonder what statistics are utilized in determining what to close and what to leave open.

Personally I believe, for every little fragment of service or facility that the state decides to deprive the area of, the taxes paid by the area should be lowered accordingly. If taxes pay for these items and services, then we should not have to pay when the services and items are deleted.

If they want to SPEND the money in the capital district, and downstate, let them COLLECT the money in those two areas.

[stoney]

I guess that was just a rumor about Verona State Park, though it's true about Oriskany & some other parks.

If people don't want their taxes to go up, something must be cut. Whatever/whomever it is, some people will not be happy.

[bobbbiez]

You are so right Stoney. Cuts have to be made and I'm sure most will not be popular with many people in many areas.

It comes down to this in cutting................damn if you do and damn if you don't. Sad, but most have to take place, especially in the entertainment areas.

[Ralph]

Certainly...............Lord knows they won't cut their own salaries or perks any.

[Deleted]

I have driven past the monument countless times over the years. Not once have I ever seen any sign of visitors. I often wondered why the place was still open. If volunteer groups want to maintain it, then fine. Otherwise close the damn thing down. If the state ever recovers economically within the next 20 years, they can reopen it. And if Griffo wants to keep it open, then let him pitch in with his own labor. Yea, right.

[rrogers40]

From the OD - It costs $10,000 to run the Oriskany Battlefield. And the NPS out of Fort Stanwix is doing 99% of the work.

[dgriffin]

Feb 21, 2010 5:48:42 GMT -5 @kracker said:

I have driven past the monument countless times over the years. Not once have I ever seen any sign of visitors. I often wondered why the place was still open. If volunteer groups want to maintain it, then fine. Otherwise close the damn thing down. If the state ever recovers economically within the next 20 years, they can reopen it. And if Griffo wants to keep it open, then let him pitch in with his own labor. Yea, right.

I suppose the same could be said for most graves or monuments to soldiers. Sad, but no reason to tear them down to save what amounts to a single politician's telephone budget.